Which is the better option to self-host?

[NateDhaliwal]

Should be the last question:
Could I do this instead?

Install Discourse for development using Docker

Developing using Docker Since Discourse runs in Docker, you should be able to run Discourse directly from your source directory using a Discourse development container. Pros: No need to install any system dependencies, no configuration needed at all for setting up a development environment quickly. Cons: Will be slightly slower than the native dev environment on Ubuntu, and much slower than a native install on MacOS. See also Developing Discourse using a Dev Container …